- [Narrator] Most college application essays…fit a fairly standard mold,…challenges, formative experiences,…obstacles overcome, or justifications of interest.…But what if you're asked to write in response to one…that is completely outside the normal range?…The University of Chicago has a reputation…for its unconventional essay prompts.…As they explain on their website,…students can approach these prompts with utter seriousness,…complete fancy, or something in between.…

The Chicago Admissions Office actually gets…some of its prompts from current…and newly admitted students.…They choose at least one or two out of the hundreds…of responses they receive.…Take this one for example, inspired by Raphael Hallerman…from the class of 2020.…"Alice falls down the rabbit hole.…"Milo drives through the tollbooth.…"Dorothy is swept up in the tornado.…"Neo takes the red pill.…"Don't tell us about another world you've imagined,…"heard about, or created.…

"Rather, tell us about its portal."…This trend of unconventional prompts…seems to be catching on.…

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Author

Updated

4/14/2017

Released

10/1/2015

Given today's competitive college admissions process, a strong essay is critical. It can be the difference between acceptance and rejection. In this course, writing instructor Leigh Ann Chow covers planning, drafting, editing, and polishing an unforgettable college essay. She explains how the essay is used in determining acceptance and reviews good and bad essay examples. These lessons will not only help improve your chances of getting into a top-choice school, but also make you a better writer once you get there.

Topics include:

Understanding the essay purpose and audience

Reviewing common and unusual essay prompts

Starting with a strong opening statement

Showing, not telling

Adhering to word limits

Organizing the essay

Varying sentence structure

Revising the essay

Communicating sincerity and enthusiasm

Skill Level Beginner

1h 56m

Duration

108,151

Views

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Q: This course was updated on 04/14/2017. What changed?

A: A video was updated to include information about the Coalition Application.

Q: This course was updated on 04/14/2017. What changed?

A: A video was updated to include information about the Coalition Application.